FG urges ASUU to suspend planned strike

The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned strike, assuring that it is committed to resolving all outstanding issues raised by the union.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the government is actively addressing ASUU’s concerns, with significant progress being made in ongoing negotiations.

Alausa explained that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been reconstituted and inaugurated to accelerate discussions with both academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu had issued clear instructions that every effort must be made to prevent further disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

ASUU, however, has already begun full mobilisation of its members for a potential nationwide warning strike as its 14-day ultimatum is set to expire on Sunday.

The union announced the decision to embark on the strike after a National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja.

In a strike notice signed by ASUU National President, Chris Piwuna, the union condemned the government’s continued neglect of the university system and failure to meet its demands.

“Beyond our engagement with the media, in August 2025, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in both federal and state institutions organised rallies on their campuses, carrying placards to press the government to address the lingering issues in the university system. Nothing came out of all these rallies and pleas. What is clear for now is that both the federal and state governments have a strong habit of paying little or no attention to the education sector in general and the welfare of university academics in particular,” ASUU stated.

The union warned that if the Federal Government fails to address its demands by the end of the 14-day ultimatum, it will be forced to commence a two-week warning strike, followed by a total and indefinite industrial action.